Rest is starting to seem like another task. I often feel like the sole window gazer on my train, with everyone under 50 joined to their iPhone by the, ur, retina. The gaze is starting to remind me of a horror film: a sea of suckered-in young people who forget to eat, forget to change their clothes, forget to mate, but gosh darnit they are up on the latest apps!
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) and its "Whole Health" approach is highlighting an antidote to scrolling on our phones to "relax":
intentional stillness as a simple holistic practice that gives the body and mind space to recover.
In a recently published article, "The Science of Doing Nothing: How Stillness Supports Whole Health," SCU
explores how stepping away from constant stimulation can create space for rest and reflection.
"The topic comes at a time when stress and emotional strain remain part of daily life for many people," according to a press release issued by the university. "Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2026 report found that
40 percent of employees globally experienced significant daily stress, while the American Psychological Association's Stress in America 2025 report found that many U.S. adults reported feelings of isolation, disconnection, or lack of companionship."
Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, PhD, BAMS, MAOM, L.Ac, FAIHM, C-IAYT, Program Director of Ayurvedic Medicine at SCU, said doing nothing is often a confusing concept:
"Doing nothing doesn't mean that a person is lazy. It doesn't mean that a person is not productive. It means we are allowing the body and mind the space to rest, relax, and quiet."
To regain balance and restore a sense of calm (and I would imagine, lower our blood pressure), the
scientist recommended:
* Sitting quietly before starting the day
* Stepping outside without a phone
* Taking a few breaths between meetings
* Closing the laptop long enough to let the mind settle before moving to the next responsibility
SCU's article also points to research on mindfulness and short
recovery breaks, which suggests that
intentional pauses may support
stress management, mental clarity, energy, and well-being.
"When we stay in stillness, we are withdrawing the mind from outside stimuli and bringing awareness to the present moment," Dr. Kizhakkeveettil said. "This can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the body's rest-and-digest response."
Dr. Kizhakkeveettil recommended starting with just 10 minutes at a time and then slowly increasing the length of doing nothing. Be aware of your breath. Sit where you feel comfortable. For me it's outside — on the grass or if I can get there, on sand at the beach.
Many people confuse what Dr. Kizhakkeveettil advised with meditation. But there is a difference: Doing nothing can overlap with meditation, but the practice is less formal.
"Rather than following a structured technique, it can simply mean pausing without trying to accomplish something. That distinction may make stillness more accessible for people who feel intimidated by traditional meditation," she said.
"Simple steps are enough to begin bringing change into your life," she said.
PHOTO: Truelittlemonk,
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Dr. Anupama (Anu) Kizhakkeveettil is an Ayurvedic practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, and program director of Ayurvedic Medicine at SCU Health. She focuses on integrative health, combining ancient wisdom with modern medicine to treat stress and promote wellness.
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